10 Alberta Day-Hikes You Have To Check Out This Summer

Alberta boasts some of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural settings in all of Canada, so it’s no wonder people enjoy a good hike in this western province. It’s an outdoorsy sort of place, Alberta is, with its many lakes and the gorgeous Rocky mountains and a real rural lifestyle in many areas. If you live in Alberta, or you’re going to find yourself there this summer, here are ten day-hikes you simply can’t miss.

Alder Trail is a beautiful forest hike, perfect for beginners as it’s just a mile long loop. You’ll wander through old growth forest and see many different types of trees and brush. There is a chance you’ll catch a glimpse of some wildlife on this trail as you wander alongside Bragg Creek. It’s located in Bragg Creek Provincial Park, a well kept park, so bring yourself a picnic lunch as well!

Rae Glacier Hike - This 8km hike should take an experienced hiker around four hours to complete. It’s located near Kananaskis, Alberta. The winding trail isn’t too difficult, and it will bring you to a spot where you can see Rae Glacier. The glacier used to be huge and hard to miss. Now sadly, it’s just a small patch in the distance. Though you won’t be able to see the glacier in all its old glory, you’ll still experience a beautiful hike that’s hard to top.

The Pocaterra Cirque - A great trail for those who may not be as experienced with more complicated hikes. It should only take you about five hours to complete, and you’ll be able to wander through alpine meadows, past tiny, little lakes and hopefully you’ll get to take in some wildlife. Be careful though, sometimes that means bears on this trail.

Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park - A three hour hike for hikers of most skill levels, this trail offers some unique scenery. It can be found near the Red Deer River badlands and is full of interesting and photo-worthy rock formations, so bring a camera.

Red Rock Canyon Loop - This hike is more of a quick jaunt, as it probably won’t even take you an hour, but that doesn’t mean the sights are any less beautiful. The Red Rock loop will take you through many-coloured rock formations, and you can choose to hike just a little bit further to see the Blakiston waterfall.

West Elk Pass - This is a six hour hike for experienced hikers, so pack a lunch. You’ll wind through alpine meadows and past lakes and under snowy peaks. You’re more than likely to see some wildlife on this trek, so stay alert.

Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass - This trail is located near Banff, so you know it’s going to be full of world class views. It’s going to take you about 7 hours to complete this trek, but it’s well worth it. At the top of the trail, you’ll be afforded a panoramic view of the Valley of the 10 Peaks and there’s really not much like it. This is a must-see hike.

Crypt Lake - You’ll have to take a boat across Waterton Lake to start this six hour hike, and you’ll need to have some serious climbing and hiking skills to reach Crypt Lake, but once you do, it’s a sight to behold. The turquoise lake will take your breath away.

Bow Summit Lookout - Another hike near Banff, this one is only going to take you about three hours. Once you reach the highest point on the trail, though, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Peyto and Bow lakes.

Grassi Lakes - This Canmore hike is about two hours tops. It promises waterfalls and caves and lots of wildlife. Two beautiful lakes can be spotted on this trail.

What are some of your favourite trails in Alberta? Let us know in the comments!